Issue Briefs on Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

Child Welfare Information Gateway recently published two issue briefs on specific types of cognitive behavioral therapy designed to help traumatized and abused children and their families. Both issue briefs cover the key components and goals of the treatment, the population best served, demonstrated effectiveness, and what to look for in a therapist.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Addressing the Mental Health of Sexually Abused Children is now available to help child welfare caseworkers and other professionals working with at-risk families who may be considering referral to TF-CBT. This evidence-based treatment is designed to reduce negative emotional and behavioral responses following child sexual abuse and other traumatic events by addressing distorted beliefs and attributions related to the abuse and by providing a supportive environment for children.

Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) for Child Physical Abuse is designed to help child welfare caseworkers and other professionals who work with at-risk families make more informed decisions about when to refer children and their parents and caregivers to AF-CBT programs. AF-CBT can improve functioning in school-aged children, their parents (caregivers), and their families. By targeting individual child and parent characteristics related to the abusive experience, this approach emphasizes training in interpersonal skills designed to enhance self-control and reduce violent behavior.

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